Painting Through the Dark

"A tender, dramatic portrait of a young woman from an Irish convent, driven to explore the world-and her past-through the power of art. Probes how far we will go to avoid, and then confront, the truth. A testimony to our ability to survive, against all the odds." -Rene Denfeld, bestselling author of The Child Finder

"With courage and precision, the author chronicles through Ashling's eyes the damage incurred by sexual abuse, the burden of broken dreams, betrayal, the claustrophobia of conventional expectations, and most prominently, the darkness in men's hearts. Through Whelan's flowing narrative, Ashling attains the triumph of self-realization and the finding of grace." -Mark James Montgomery, The Lightning Field

"With an engaging voice displaying her Irish storytelling roots, West Coast author Gemma Whelan has written a multi-layered novel that encompasses a rich tapestry of themes from first love and sex to a nation and church reeking of abuse." -Ellen Kesend, author and screenwriter

"As compelling and disturbing as it is tender and compassionate. A young Irish woman leaves the constrictions of a convent to explore self, art, and life in San Francisco. Beautifully descriptive and nuanced, this is an important, relevant, and necessary story." -Anna Quinn, The Night Child, Angeline

"The lyrical prose of this tale is laden with rich undercurrents. Gemma Whelan has created a raptly engaging story with a marvelous character whose gritty determination and hard-won insights are captivating from the opening pages - and from there it all keeps getting better." -Darryl Brock, If I Never Get Back

"A spellbinding read. As she navigates one precarious situation after another, the character grows in confidence and resolve, using art as a way into her own psyche-and that of others. The story has elements of a romance novel, yet both subverts that genre and fulfills it-a deft accomplishment." -M K Hunter, Dramaturg

"In this beautifully written coming-of-age story the character of Ashling is an inspiration; she's lived an extremely limited life yet is determined to find the artistic path she craves. When I finished reading, I felt that a bit of Ashling's focus, discipline, and self-belief had found a little space in me." -Amy Powell, founder Business on Purpose

"I loved every page. I feel I've been on a journey with Ashling that brought my approach to challenges to my younger self into a more enlightened focus. I'm sure I am among many who thank the author for life lessons as well as for a great read. It's just fabulous! " -Lura Dolas